Host mother Cristina Doria, originally from Italy, invited young ­Cristina in, not for help with Spanish homework but, she says, “to give back what others had given me when I moved to the U.S.”

This year, Parole and Annapolis Rotary clubs are sponsoring students under The Rotary International Youth Study Exchange Program. Since 1958, the exchange program each year has enabled thousands of students ages 15 to 19 to live a year as a student in another country. More than 100 countries send students back and forth. Families pay only for round-trip airfare, travel insurance and travel documents.

“I hope to bring the love of international studies and understanding to kids in the United States,” says Penner, a State Department retiree.

Cristina, now of Arnold, is studying at Broadneck High School, which has a two-way exchange with a single country, Spain.

In turn, Patrick Oliver, 16, a Broadneck High School junior, is headed to Spain.

Bay Weekly asked the two high-schoolers how and why they’d spend their year in a foreign country.

Cristina Abella-Machín

Bay WeeklyWhat helped you decide to come to school in America?

CristinaFriends told me about their experiences traveling to the United States. When I found out it was possible for me to go, I knew I wanted to.

Bay WeeklyHow is your American home different from home?

CristinaI am from La Coruna, Spain. The house here in Maryland is big, like a mansion, completely different. Everything here is bigger. The food is also very different.

Bay WeeklyHow do your studies differ from your classes in Spain?

CristinaThe way we learn in Spain is a lot different, it’s more interactive. Our school is much bigger; we have one school for students ages two to 18. There’s a lot more homework here, but overall school is easier in the United States.

Bay WeeklyWhat do you plan to do besides study?

CristinaFootball and baseball games, you know, American things. My goal is to become more American.

Bay WeeklyAre you nervous to start at a new school?

CristinaI am, but my host family’s kids will be going to school with me. I also went for orientation and met the students I will be shadowing. My host family also plans to throw a party so I can meet more people.

Bay WeeklyWhat was the most important thing you packed?

CristinaMy laptop.

Bay WeeklyWhat will you miss most?

CristinaMy family and friends and my puppy Shira, a ten-month-old poodle.

Bay WeeklyWe hear you’re an avid sailor; are you excited to be in the sailing capital of the nation?

CristinaFor sure. The weather is better here, and I plan to try and sail as much as I can.

Bay WeeklyYou have an upcoming birthday, your 16th. Here that is a big deal. What do you plan to do to celebrate?

CristinaIn Spain, before I left, my mom had a big party.

Bay WeeklyWhat else are you excited to try?

CristinaI am excited to try ice-skating. Also second semester I am taking a forensic science class, like CSI. This is something I would never have been able to do in Spain. I am also excited for my trip this weekend to New York City, you know the Big City. I am super excited for that!

Patrick Oliver

Bay WeeklyWhat helped you decide to go to Spain for a year?

PatrickMy dad did it when he was my age. After my mom mentioned it, I did some research. Originally we had talked about going to Australia. I lived in Germany for a few years, and I like to travel and experience different cultures. When we heard about the opportunity to go to Spain, I decided to do it.

Bay WeeklyWhere will you be living for your year abroad?

PatrickIn Valladolid, Spain, about two hours north of Madrid.

Bay WeeklyWhat will the climate be like there? What are you packing?

PatrickI packed pretty light but made sure to pack my personal electronics, Annapolis-themed gifts for my host parents and plenty of Old Bay.

Bay WeeklyWhat is your course load looking like? How will it differ from school here?

PatrickI have no idea yet. Normal classes, I guess, nothing too hard or too easy. I have three years of high school Spanish, so I think I’ll be ok.

Bay WeeklyWhat do you expect to be different?

PatrickWe will have a two-week break in February. There’s also a lot of festivals. My host family actually wanted me there earlier so I could experience one of them, Aste Nagusia. [It’s a nine-day festival with music and dancing, food and drink, plus wood chopping, stone carrying and strongman competitions, bullfights and nightly fireworks.]

Bay WeeklyWhere will you be traveling?

PatrickI want to see the Rock of Gibraltar. They say you can see Africa from there.

Bay WeeklyDo you play any sports?

PatrickCross-country and track, but I don’t know how that will hold up over there. I do plan to continue playing in my Fantasy Football league.